Andrew has always been a performer. At school, he loved acting and performing in musicals. So when he started stand-up comedy, stage fright was not much of an issue. He just enjoyed the freedom and power of having an empty stage all to himself!

But as he became more successful anxiety crept in. As he made more of a name for himself the pressure increased. He became more concerned with whether his material was ‘working’ or not.

The more concerned we are with the outcome of our actions, the more anxiety we feel. To alleviate anxiety try to see the world as a playground, and your actions in it as play.

The Utility of Confidence (and of Insecurity)

Some comedians do well because they have a ton of self-belief and confidence. Others do well because they are insecure about their work and so try enormously hard to do it perfectly.

Confidence, or a lack thereof, can be harnessed in such a way as to bring success. Accept, and even appreciate, your specific strengths and weaknesses.

The Importance of Business Knowledge and Hustle

Most comedians who achieve success have a solid understanding of business. They know how to hustle, sell themselves, and build connections.

Even with modest talent, one can achieve great things if they develop business nous and hustle hard.

Writing and performing stand-up can be a daunting experience. There is lots of alone-time in which to worry and doubt. But a great set will tend to blast the doubt away and instill fresh confidence.

Life is cyclical. We are not meant to be happy all the time. When things get tough, remember… ‘this too shall pass’. Embrace negative thoughts as natural and inevitable… as grist for the mill that will make you stronger.

Comedy Circuit Meritocracy

There tends to be great solidarity amongst comedians. The comedy circuit tends to weed out assholes. It’s a close-knit circuit with lots of camaraderie, in which age and experience matter much less than one simple question… “are you funny?”

It doesn’t matter where you come from, or what you have done (good or bad) in the past. What matters is how you behave now, in this moment. Each and every moment is a fresh opportunity to be your best self.

Some smart senior comedians are not afraid to ask for advice from younger comedians. When an older comedian is willing to ask a younger comedian for advice, you know they are approaching their craft with a healthy, open mindset.

Get rid of the ego in order to become the best you you can possibly be. Always be looking to learn, adjust, and grow.

Andrew White does his best work when he gets into a flow state. Being in a flow state allows him to get out of his own way, to stop thinking about how he is coming across, to concentrate solely on his art, and to trust himself.

A flow state occurs when a person gets so absorbed in an activity that they forget themselves. They stop self-monitoring and lose self-consciousness, so absorbed are they in the activity.

Learn to get into a flow state. This wonderful state of being makes room for spontaneity and true self-expression.

As a comedian, there is huge power in calling out the elephant in the room. When a joke falls flat it’s very endearing to admit as much to the audience. It shows people that you are human and that they can trust you.